Singin' in the Rain

There are obvious differences as well as a few slight similarities in the Gene Kelly and Clockwork Orange versions of "Singin' in the Rain".

I found the Gene Kelly version to be entirely peaceful and pristine. The time period (the early 1950s) lends itself toward pleasure and fullness, as it marks the end of WWII. There was a sense of all things bountiful and no doubt an air of happiness--both in economic and social terms. (People weren't dying anymore!) There is a great sense of "50s classic" showmanship as well, in tune with the male performers of the day, like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

In contrast, I found the Clockwork Orange rendition of "Singin' in the Rain" to be far from peaceful and pristine. The time period (the early 1970s) honed heavy drug usage. This time period reflects the means Americans were resorting to during the devastating Vietnam War. We see a retro atmosphere in regard to the living space and attire of the characters. In addition, we see the contrast (in attire and atmosphere) of pure white in comparison to red. This signifies that which is good and pristine in comparison to sin and loose morals. We also see sexual behavior which would not have been able to be publically viewed during the time of the Gene Kelly version.

Oddly enough, there are some parallels in the two versions. Both are very definitive of their time period and culture. In addition, we see a sense of showmanship from a primary male figure. Both men dance and wear top hats, so we are at least reminiscent of the classic Gene Kelly version, as we watch the Clockwork Orange version.

Overall, I thought the two renditions of "Singin' in the Rain" might have been the most intriguing thing I have watched in this class thus far. I actually sang the song when I was 12 for a chorus performance, and I have always loved it. To see the song in two entirely different contexts (both of which I had not seen) was extremely interesting!

Bruce Wands

I was intrigued by Bruce Wands presentation. Though I will admit it was a little difficult to pay attention at times, the list of his credentials were impressive enough to make up for it.

I was impressed by the number of works Wands has had published, as well as his large number of international lectures and exhibitions.

Also, I was very drawn in by the fact that Wands is also a musician and a writer. I really appreciate artists who experiment and succeed in different facets of art. I have a lot of appreciation for music as an art form, and I think it says a lot about an artist who looks to explore different forms of art.

I was also able to appreciate the fact that Bruce Wands is a professor who has taught at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. I felt as though this fact contributes to his understanding of us as students as well as his respect for the questions we asked.

Overall, I was glad to have seen Bruce Wands speak, and I consider myself lucky to have listened to and met those who have been a part of Electronics Alive.

On Speaker Cynthia Lawson

Cynthia Lawson was a very interesting speaker; I most thoroughly enjoyed the fact that she was a female. As an artist, I find it interesting that like any other field, art can at times seem male dominated--especially in regard to that which is linked to technology.

Cynthia's work was interesting because it was so unique, both visually and conceptually. I appreciated the fact that she not only understood how to apply technology to art, but also, because of her background in technology, truly understood the means in which such technology worked and operated.

I also enjoyed Cynthia's background and use regarding other cultures and countries. I truly appreciate the influence and impact of diversity on an artist, as I was raised in a bi-cultural household. I think experiencing other cultures really brings creativity to an artist and their work.

Overall, I found Cynthia Lawson to be very interesting, informative, and personable. She spoke well and was open to questions. It was an honor to be in the company of an internationally known artist.

Response to MIT Sixth Sense System

In all honesty, I think this thing is just weird! It seems rather invasive, and it would almost allow a person to not know or remember anything on their own. I thought it was weird that you could find out information on an actual person.

I think this system is interesting as far as its capabilities and the amount of forward thinking these graduate students have done. However, if it does reach the hands of the everyday consumer, I think it would need a lot of fine tuning, and I can't imagine we would see the system sold publically anytime soon.

Overall, I admire the brilliant thinking of the students. However, I do find the invasiveness of the system a little too much for my personal liking.

Flipbook Assignment: "A Day in the Life"

My flipbook followed a single person on their daily running journey. The title was "A Day in the Life". We watch the subject pass flowers and trees, go through caves, fall down, climb mountains, and more. After the character falls, we read the words, "one step at a time". The end of the flipbook states, "just another day in the life".

Gooood Morning

Well I'm actually getting ready for class right now. I absolutely LOVED the operas we watched last class period. They were so romantic and beautiful (and I'm a sucker for both)! I've watched bits and pieces of some of them before, but with much less background information. So far, I am really enjoying this class, as well as the pace at which we are moving.

First Class

I really enjoyed our first class! The operas we watched were very interesting, and I hope to eventually see Cinderella in full during my lifetime; the little bit of it that I did see was beautiful. Also, I've never learned about the Baroque era in such depth. While I have studied the era in my Compositions of Music class at another college, I namely learned about the music and composers of the time. To study the way the people dressed, behaved, decorated, and ultimately lived was very interesteding to me. I look forward to our next class!